3 Key Elements for Successful Parenting

Though there may be some exceptions, generally speaking, if a child chooses evil as an adult, it is probably because his parents failed in some way to properly train him as a child. There are 3 key elements in successful parenting that work together to help parents produce wise, godly children. These may also be called "The ABC's of Successful Parenting."

A - Always win in training the child to obey. The parent, not the child, must be the winner in every contest of wills. A teenage rebel is often the product of a child who was not made to obey.

B - Be gentle. Firmness must be balanced with gentleness or it easily becomes harshness. David said "Thy gentleness hath made me great." Greatness in a child is produced by gentleness in his parents.

C - Consistently be consistent. Parents must not "start and stop." They must stand together so that children know it is not possible to "pit one against the other."